The 24th Tokyo Motor Show 1981

The world was struggling with low economic growth and instability. Carmakers, however, displayed an array of new models, reference models, and new technologies, making the motor show much more active. A notable trend was the front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FF) layout for small cars, the lightweight body of which mated with excellent aerodynamic features and helped the small car to achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. The turbo charger was also a highlight of the motor show. Nissan pioneered the installation of the turbo engine in the vehicle lineup, while Mitsubishi Motors set up turbo engine versions in a full-scale lineup this year. Even for a 1-liter engine car, Daihatsu Charade, a turbo version Charade Detomaso Turbo was displayed as a reference model at this year's motor show. Meanwhile, recreational vehicles (RVs) have increased in the market in terms of both number and type. Automobiles were increasingly becoming diverse as users wanted various functions in the car. The number of exhibited vehicles was 849 units, a record-high, while the number of visitors rose to 1,114,200 people.